Lighting System for a Bicycle

ABSTRACT

A lighting system for a bicycle. A lamp and a beam are mounted to the bicycle. A generator is mounted to the beam such that the beam holds the generator in position to be frictionally driven by contact with a bicycle wheel. The generator provides a three-phase output voltage. A sensor monitors the generator and provides an output signal proportional to the speed of the bicycle. A first sensing circuit receives the output signal from the sensor and provides a first control signal when the output signal exceeds a first predetermined value. The first control signal is operative to change the output voltage from the three-phase output voltage to a single-phase output voltage to prevent damage to the system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a lighting system for a bicycle.

2. Description of Related Art

Current lighting systems for bicycles are powered by batteries orgenerators with batteries being most common. In battery-powered systems,headlamps provide light output with the higher performance lampsdemanding more power, size, and cost. The battery must be of significantsize to provide the necessary power over the length of time needed.Weight, run-time, and cost all become limiting performance factors. Along lasting battery is often heavier and more costly. In general,battery systems are conveniently removed, and they provide necessarylight output over a limited time frame. A key problem with batterysystems is maintenance. Typically, the battery must be recharged aftereach use, and this often takes a significant amount of time of up to 4times longer than the use of the battery. In addition, a remote batterycharger must usually be utilized to charge the battery, which adds tothe inconvenience of battery systems.

Conventional generator systems are currently more limited in use, andthe models that are offered have several drawbacks. Such systems areinefficient in their drive systems including their power output andpower conversion. They do not offer different power delivery solutionsfor stationary performance, low speed performance and high speedperformance. Conventional generator systems are typically not easy toremove and replace. In addition, the generator of these systems istypically driven by the tire or by a gearing device in the hub.Conventional tire driven generator systems are noisy and rough, andtheir designs typically add to the inefficiency of the overall lightingsystem. Inadequate light levels and excessive drag on the bicycle aretypical. They can however, provide light output over an extended periodof time as long as the rider is riding his bike.

Current bicycle riders and sport enthusiasts have the need for a longlasting, low weight, highly efficient, onboard lighting system for suchactivities as endurance races, training, recreational riding after work,commuting and others. Driving forces determining purchases include lightoutput, time of output, ease of removal and replacement, weight,convenience, required maintenance, and cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a bicycle lighting system that islong lasting, low weight, highly efficient, and powered by a generatordriven by a drive wheel rolling against a portion of the rear wheel. Ahighly efficient power converter and generator provide high light outputfrom low to high speeds. Operation at high speeds is possible withoutthe system becoming damaged, light output being affected, or significantamounts of drag being placed on the bike in the form ofelectromechanical inefficiency as is the standard practice inconventional systems.

The invention provides a mechanism that is attached to the frame at twopoints: the brake caliper pivot and the rear axle. These two locationsare common in many modern bikes thus providing for a universal fit andquick and simple removal or attachment of the mechanism. In addition, asmall onboard battery provides light during periods when the bike isstationary and a charging system that keeps the battery charged.

One embodiment of the invention is a lighting system for a bicyclehaving a bicycle frame and at least two wheels. The lighting systemincludes a structural beam mounted to a portion of the bicycle frame. Agenerator is mounted to the beam such that the beam holds the generatorin position to be frictionally driven by contact with a portion of therear wheel. The generator provides a three-phase output voltage. Asensor monitors the generator and provides an output signal proportionalto the speed of the bicycle. A first sensing circuit receives the outputsignal from the sensor and provides a first control signal when theoutput signal exceeds a first predetermined value operative to changethe output voltage from the three-phase voltage to a single-phasevoltage to thereby prevent damage to the system.

Another embodiment of the invention is a voltage control system for abicycle having a bicycle frame and at least two wheels. The voltagecontrol system includes a three-phase generator driven by frictionalengagement against a wheel of the bicycle. The generator provides athree-phase output voltage in the form of sine waves with positive andnegative halves. A three-phase full-bridge rectifier receives thethree-phase output voltage of the generator and inverts the negativehalves of the sine waves generated. The rectifier provides a DC outputvoltage proportional to a three-phase line-to-line voltage. A DC-to-DCconverter changes the DC output voltage from the rectifier to a firstworking voltage. A lamp attached to a portion of the bicycle receivesthe first working voltage from the converter, and a sensor monitors thegenerator and provides an output signal proportional to the speed of thebicycle. A first sensing circuit receives the output signal from thesensor and provides a first control signal at a first predeterminedvalue of the output signal from the sensor. A first relay connectedbetween the generator and the rectifier is connected to the firstsensing circuit to receive the first control signal. The first relay,during a state of increasing bicycle speed, changes the output voltageof the generator from the three-phase line-to-line voltage to asingle-phase line-to-neutral voltage when the first control signal isreceived from the first sensing circuit, thereby reducing the DC outputvoltage from the rectifier to avoid damage to the converter whilesupplying the first working voltage to the lamp.

Another embodiment of the invention is a generator mounting system for abicycle having at least one rear strut extending from a bicycle framefor supporting a mount for a rear wheel. A beam for supporting agenerator extends generally alongside the rear strut of the bicycle witha first beam end mounted to the rear wheel mount and a second beam endmounted to the bicycle frame outbound of the wheel. The beam holds thegenerator in position to be frictionally driven by contact with aportion of the rear wheel.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing detailed description, taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings which illustrate, by way of example, variousfeatures of embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a side perspective view of one embodiment of a lightingsystem attached to a rear portion of a bicycle.

FIG. 1B is another side perspective view of the lighting system of FIG.1A.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the lighting system of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 3A-3B are side perspective views of the lighting system of FIG.1A.

FIG. 4A is a top view of the lighting system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the lighting system of FIG. 1A.

FIGS. 5A-5B are top perspective views of another embodiment of alighting system.

FIG. 6A is a top view of the lighting system of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6B is a side view of the lighting system of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of one embodiment of a voltage controlsystem.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of another embodiment of a voltage controlsystem.

FIG. 7C is a block diagram of still another embodiment of a voltagecontrol system.

FIG. 8A is a diagram of a generator output voltage.

FIG. 8B is a diagram of a rectifier output voltage.

FIG. 9 is a diagram for a rectifier circuit.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for a lamp circuit.

FIG. 11A is a top view of one embodiment of a lamp.

FIG. 11B is a rear perspective view of the lamp of FIG. 11A.

FIG. 12A is a top view of another embodiment of a lamp.

FIG. 12B is a rear perspective view of the lamp of FIG. 12A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made to the drawings wherein like numerals referto like parts throughout.

FIG. 1A illustrates one embodiment of a lighting system 100 for abicycle 102 having a bicycle frame 104 and front and rear wheels 106,108. FIG. 1B is another side perspective view of the lighting system ofFIG 1A. Frame 104 includes a seat post 110 and one or more rear struts120 extending from seat post 110. Struts 120 support rear wheel mounts130 for mounting rear wheel 108 to frame 104. Rear struts 120 includeupper and lower arms 122, 124 that extend from seat post 110 towardseach other to be joined at rear wheel mounts 130. Bicycle 102 maycomprise a road bike, mountain bike or any other type of cycle.

Rear wheel 108 comprises rear axle 132, rear rim 134, and rear tire 136.Rear tire 136 is mounted to rim 134, and rim 134 is attached to axle 132via a plurality of spokes 138.

Rear axle 132 includes a shaft 140 that extends through a centralportion of a body 142 of rear axle 132 for mounting to rear wheel mounts130. Rear wheel mounts 130 include side mount 144 that is adapted toreceive shaft 140 such that rear wheel mount 130 extends around shaft140. The ends of shaft 140 are threaded to receive fasteners 146, suchas nuts, for clamping rear axle 132 to rear wheel mounts 130.

FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of lighting system 100. As shown inFIGS. 1A-2B, bicycle frame 104 includes a cross member 150 extendingbetween upper strut arms 122 and positioned outbound of rear wheel 108for securing a rear caliper brake 160 thereto. Cross member 150 includesa mounting aperture 152 formed therein for receiving a shaft 162 of rearcaliper brake 160. Shaft 162 extends through mounting aperture 152 andincludes a threaded outer surface at one end thereof that receives afastener 154, such as a nut, for clamping brake 160 to cross member 150.

FIG. 3A is a side perspective view of lighting system 100. FIG. 3B isanother side perspective view of the lighting system 100. As shown inFIGS. 1A-3B, lighting system 100 includes a mounting system 200 and avoltage control system 400. Mounting system 200 includes a support beam202 that parallels upper arm 122 of rear strut 120 for mounting anaccessory thereto, such as, in this instance, a power generator 204.Support beam 202 extends between seat post 110 to rear wheel mounts 130.

FIG. 4A is a top view of lighting system 100, and FIG. 4B is a side viewof lighting system 100. As shown in FIGS. 3A-4B, support beam 202includes an elongate portion 214 extending between first and second beamends 210, 212. Support beam 202 may have a non-cylindricalcross-section, as shown, or any other appropriate cross-section.

First beam end 210 includes a downwardly facing, side open aperture 220adapted to extend around rear axle shaft 140 such that end 210 isclamped between rear axle body 142 and rear wheel mount 130 when rearwheel 108 is fastened to rear wheel mount 130.

Second beam end 212 includes a side open aperture 222 adapted to receiverear caliper brake shaft 162 such that end 212 is clamped between crossmember 150 and rear caliper brake body 164. End 212 is clamped inposition when brake 160 is fastened to cross member 150. Alternately,second beam end 212 may be adapted to receive a bolt or other suitablefastener.

As further shown in FIGS. 3A-4B, second beam end 212 extends 90° fromthe plane of the first beam end 210. Moreover, the second beam end 212extends from the elongate portion 214 of the support beam 202 in asubstantially perpendicular manner via, in one embodiment, a bend 224.This configuration allows the first and second beam ends 212, 212 to besecurely clamped to the rear axle 132 and the rear caliper brake 160 ofthe bicycle frame 104, respectively.

Support beam elongate portion 214 includes a generator mounting aperture230 positioned between beam ends 210, 212. Generator 204 is secured tosupport beam 202 through a pivotal connection 232 so as to allow a drivewheel 240 on generator 204 to contact a portion of rear wheel 108, suchas a sidewall of rim 134 or rear tire 136. Generator mounting aperture230 receives bolt 242 in a manner that allows pivotal connection 232 tobe established. Bolt 242 is secured to support beam 202 via a fastener244, such as a nut. The generator wheel to rear wheel ratio isapproximately 26 to 1.

A torsion spring 250 extends around pivotal connection 232 betweensupport beam 202 and generator 204. Spring 250 torsionally biases drivewheel 240 against a portion of rear wheel 108 so that drive wheel 240remains in contact with rear wheel 108 and provides generating powerwhen rear wheel 108 is in motion.

Housing 254 encloses voltage control system 400 and is secured togenerator 204 at a position opposite drive wheel 240. This allowselectrical connections between generator 204 and voltage control system400 to be made without interference from the rotation of rear wheel 108.

FIGS. 5A-5B are top perspective views of another embodiment of theinvention. This lighting system 300 is similar to lighting system 100 ofFIGS. 1A-4B, but has a different support beam configuration. Lightingsystem 300 includes a support beam 302 having a U-shaped portion 320extending between ends 310, 312.

FIG. 6A is a top view of lighting system 300, and FIG. 6B is a side viewof lighting system 300. As shown in FIGS. 5A-6B, upper rear struts 122include at least two mounting apertures 306, 308 formed therein formounting brake arms 316, 318 of a rear brake 314 to upper rear struts122. Support beam 302 is positioned between brake arms 316, 318 andupper rear struts 122. Mounting apertures 322, 324 allow support beam302 to be secured to upper rear struts 122 via fasteners 326, 328, suchas shaft bolts and securing nuts, that allow brake arms 314, 316 topivot about upper rear struts 122.

First beam end 310 includes a mounting aperture 322 adapted to receiveshaft bolt 326 of brake arm 314 such that end 310 is clamped betweenbrake arm 314 and upper rear strut 122 when brake arm 314 is fastened tostrut 122.

Second beam end 312 includes a mounting aperture 324 adapted to receiveshaft bolt 328 of brake arm 316 such that end 312 is clamped betweenbrake arm 316 and strut 122 when brake arm 316 is fastened to strut 122.Beam end 312 includes an accessory mounting portion 330 having agenerator mounting aperture 332 formed therein for mounting generator204 to support beam 302. Generator 204 is secured to support beam 302via a fastener 334 that extends through aperture 332 and couples to amounting block 336. Support beam 302 further includes an aperture 340that receives a pin 342 from mounting block 336 when mounting block 336is mounted to support beam 302. Pin 342, when positioned in aperture340, inhibits mounting block 336 from rotating about support structure302.

Generator 204 is secured to mounting block 336 through a pivotalconnection 340 to support beam 202 that allows drive wheel 240 tocontact a portion of rear wheel 108, such as the sidewall of rim 134 orrear tire 136. A torsion spring 360 extends around pivotal connection340 between mounting block 336 and generator 204. Spring 360 torsionallybiases drive wheel 240 against rear wheel 108 so that drive wheel 240remains in contact with rear wheel 108 and provides generating powerwhen rear wheel 108 is in motion.

Housing 254 encloses voltage control system 400. Generator 204 andhousing 254 are pivotally mounted to support beam 302 via mounting block336. As previously described, housing 254 is secured to generator 204 ata position opposite drive wheel 240 to allow electrical connectionsbetween generator 204 and voltage control system 400 to be made withoutinterference from the rotation of wheel 108.

FIG. 7A is a block diagram of voltage control system 400. System 400includes a generator 410 such as, for example, generator 204 of FIGS.1A-6B, which is driven by frictional engagement against rear wheel 108.In one embodiment, the generator 204 is a three-phase generator thatprovides a three-phase output voltage 380, as shown in FIG. 8A, in theform of sine waves with positive and negative halves 382, 384.

In one aspect, generator 410 provides a three-phase output voltage thatis generally linearly proportional to the speed of bicycle 102. Forexample, as the speed of bicycle 102 increases, the amplitude of thevoltage increases in a generally linear manner. Likewise, as the speedof bicycle 102 decreases, the amplitude of the voltage decreases in agenerally linear manner.

Rectifier 420 receives and rectifies the three-phase output voltage ofgenerator 410 by inverting the negative halves 384, as shown in FIG. 8B,of the sine waves generated by generator 410. In one embodiment,rectifier 410 comprises a three-phase full-bridge rectifier and providesa DC output voltage 390, as shown in FIG. 8B. A filter circuit havingone or more capacitors could be connected to the output of rectifier 420to smooth the output voltage by reducing the peak-to-peak ripple voltageof the rectifier output as shown in FIG. 8B.

DC-to-DC converter 430 changes the DC output voltage 422 received fromrectifier 420 to a first working voltage. In one embodiment, the firstworking voltage is a regulated DC voltage between approximately 9 voltsand 12 volts. More particularly, the first working voltage is aregulated voltage of approximately 10.6 volts. For a received DC voltageof approximately 12 volts or above, converter 430 provides a firstregulated working voltage of approximately 10.6 volts. The first workingvoltage is adjustable depending on the desired load.

A lamp 440 is attached to a portion of the bicycle 102, such as thehandlebars, and receives the first working voltage from converter 430via a power switch 438.

Sensor 412 monitors generator 410 and provides an output signalproportional to the speed of bicycle 104. In one embodiment, sensor 412comprises a hall effect sensor that is triggered by permanent magnets ingenerator 410 by sensing the magnetic field of the permanent magnets. Ingeneral, generator 410 includes at least two permanent magnetspositioned opposite each other in a stationary manner within the housingof generator 410. Generator 410 also includes a series of windings on ashaft that rotates within the generator housing. Sensor 412 ispositioned within generator 410 and between the windings so as to rotatetherewith. When the shaft of generator 410 rotates, sensor 412 providesa pulse when each of the permanent magnets are sensed. Therefore, witheach rotation of the shaft, sensor 412 provides two pulses for each ofthe two magnets sensed.

In one embodiment the generator wheel to rear wheel ratio isapproximately 26 to 1. This allows sensor 412 to have a resolution ofover approximately 50 to 1 with rear wheel rotation. The resolution ofsensor 412 can be adjusted to different values depending on theapplication without departing from the scope of the invention.

In one embodiment, the output signal from sensor 412 comprises arectangular pulse having a frequency proportional to the rate ofrotation of generator 204. The rate of rotation of generator 410 isproportional to the rate of rotation of rear wheel 108. The rate ofrotation of rear wheel 108 is proportional to the speed of bicycle 102.Sensor 412 provides approximately two rectangular pulses for eachrotation of generator 410. Generator 410 rotates approximately 25 to 27times for each rotation of rear wheel 108. Hence, sensor 412 providesapproximately 50 to 54 rectangular pulses for each rotation of wheel108. The number of rectangular pulses provided by sensor 412 can beadjusted to different values depending on the application withoutdeparting from the scope of the invention.

A first sensing circuit 414 receives the output signal from sensor 412and provides a first control signal at a first predetermined value ofthe sensor output signal. First sensing circuit 414 receives the sensoroutput signal and determines if it is above the first predeterminedvalue. In one embodiment, the first predetermined value corresponds to apredetermined number of pulses received by first sensing circuit 414from sensor 412. In general, the number of pulses received within aparticular period of time corresponds to the approximate speed of rearwheel 108 and, hence, to the speed of bicycle 102. When the firstpredetermined value is determined, first sensing circuit 414 provides afirst control signal as an output voltage.

The first predetermined value is configured depending on the type ofbicycle. The first predetermined value for road bikes, for example, maycorrespond to bicycle speeds of approximately 18-20 mph, while the firstpredetermined value for mountain bikes may correspond to bicycle speedsof approximately 10-15 mph. The size of drive wheel 240 can be adjustedto configure the first predetermined value for different types ofbicycles.

First relay 416 is connected between generator 410 and rectifier 420 tofirst sensing circuit 414 to receive the first control signal. Relay416, during a state of increasing bicycle speed, changes the outputvoltage of generator 410 from a three-phase line-to-line voltage to asingle-phase line-to-neutral voltage when the first control signal isreceived from first sensing circuit 414 at the predetermined value. Inother words, during a state of increasing bicycle speed, relay 416changes the input voltage to rectifier 420 from a three-phaseline-to-line voltage to a single-phase line-to-neutral voltage when thefirst control signal is received from first sensing circuit 414 at thepredetermined value.

The DC output voltage from rectifier 420 is effectively reduced to anamount that will not damage converter 430 or any other part of voltagecontrol system 400 while supplying the working voltage to lamp 440. Thechange from a three-phase to a single-phase output voltage improves theefficiency of the generator-rectifier system of the present teachings byallowing DC-to-DC converter 430 to operate in a more efficient region ofits operating curve.

In general, relays have coils that, when a voltage is applied to thecoil, provide a magnetic field to pull a switch between at least twodifferent states. The relay can also have a double pull configurationthat allows switching between multiple signal paths.

In one embodiment, at bicycle speeds between approximately 3 mph and 17mph, first relay 416 receives the control signal from first sensingcircuit 414 and allows generator 502 to supply the three-phaseline-to-line voltage to rectifier 420. Rectifier 420 rectifies thereceived three-phase line-to-line voltage and supplies a DC outputvoltage to converter 430 in the form of a rectified three-phaseline-to-line voltage.

In another embodiment, at bicycle speeds of approximately 18 mph andabove, first relay 416 receives the control signal from first sensingcircuit 414 at the first predetermined value and switches to allowgenerator 502 to supply a single-phase line-to-neutral voltage torectifier 420. Rectifier 420 rectifies the single-phase line-to-neutralvoltage and supplies a reduced DC output voltage to the converter 430 inthe form of a rectified single-phase line-to-neutral voltage, whicheffectively reduces the amplitude of the DC output voltage. In oneexample, the amplitude of the DC output voltage is reduced to betweenapproximately 25% to 65% of the three-phase line-to-line voltage. Inanother example, the amplitude of the DC output voltage is reduced tobetween approximately 30% to 50% of the three-phase line-to-linevoltage. At high bicycle speeds, this reduction prevents damage toconverter 430 and also reduces the load on generator 410, which reducesthe drag on bicycle 102.

In general, converter 430 can accept voltages between approximately 12volts to 100 volts. At high bicycle speeds, generator 410 can providevoltages of up to approximately 160 volts. Such high voltages can damagethe circuitry of converter 430 and other parts of the voltage controlsystem circuitry, which can cause voltage control system 400 to stopfunctioning properly.

During a state of decreasing speed, when the predetermined value isreached, relay 416 restores the generator output voltage to thethree-phase line-to-line voltage. Converter 430 continuously suppliesthe first working voltage to lamp 440 while receiving the variable DCoutput voltage from rectifier 420.

Power switch 438 is connected between converter 430 and lamp 440 toselectively allow the working voltage from converter 430 to reach lamp440.

FIG. 7B is a block diagram of another embodiment of a voltage controlsystem 500. System 500 includes a high speed circuit 502 and a low speedcircuit 504.

High speed circuit 502 includes generator 410, rectifier 420, converter430, sensor 412, first sensing circuit 414, and first relay 416 of FIG.7A. In one embodiment, high speed circuit 504 provides DC voltage tolamp 440 at speeds above approximately 5 mph, and low speed circuit 504provides DC voltage to lamp 440 at speeds below approximately 5 mph.

Low speed circuit 504 includes a second sensing circuit 514 thatreceives the output signal from sensor 412 and provides a second controlsignal at a second predetermined value of the sensor output signal.Second sensing circuit 514 receives the sensor output signal anddetermines if it is below the second predetermined value. In oneembodiment, the second predetermined value corresponds to bicycle speedsof approximately 3-6 mph, and more particularly to a bicycle speed ofapproximately 3.5 mph.

Battery 520 provides a second working voltage. A second relay 516 isconnected to battery 520 and to second sensing circuit 514 to receivethe second control signal. Second relay 516 provides the second workingvoltage from battery 520 to lamp 440 when the second control signal isreceived from second sensing circuit 514. In one embodiment, battery 520provides a second working voltage between approximately 3 volts to 6volts and preferably approximately 3.6 volts. In another embodiment,battery 520 comprises a small lithium ion battery, which reduces theoverall weight of system 400 when compared to conventional batterysystems.

Charge circuit 522 is connected to converter 430 to receive the workingvoltage from converter 430 when high speed circuit 502 is providing theworking voltage. Charge circuit 522 is further connected to battery 520to charge battery 520 when the working voltage is received fromconverter 430. In one embodiment, charge circuit 522 charges battery 520when battery 520 has a low charge, and does not charge battery 520 whenbattery 520 is charged. In another embodiment, charge circuit 522 isconfigured to charge battery 522 to greater than approximately 4 volts.Moreover, low speed circuit 520 also includes an indicator lamp 524,such as an LED, that indicates when charge circuit 522 is chargingbattery 520.

Power switch 438 is connected between converter 430 and lamp 440 toselectively allow the first working voltage from converter 430 to reachlamp 440 and charge circuit 522. Power switch 438 can also be connectedbetween battery 520 and lamp 440 so as to selectively allow the secondworking voltage from battery 520 to reach lamp 440.

In one embodiment, at bicycle speeds of less than approximately 5 mph,second relay 516 receives the control signal from second sensing circuit514 at the second predetermined value and switches to allow battery 520to supply the second working voltage to lamp 440. At increasing bicyclespeeds above approximately 5 mph, second relay 516 receives the controlsignal from second sensing circuit 514 and switches off supply of thesecond working voltage from battery 520 to lamp 440. At high bicyclespeeds above approximately 5 mph, battery 520 does not supply the secondworking voltage to lamp 440. Also, at high bicycle speeds, chargecircuit 522 receives the first working voltage from converter 430 andproceeds to charge battery 520 if battery 520 charge is low and requirescharging.

First relay 416, during a state of decreasing speed, restores thegenerator output voltage to the three-phase line-to-line voltage whenthe predetermined value is reached. Converter 430 continuously suppliesthe first working voltage to lamp 440 while receiving the variable DCoutput voltage from rectifier 420.

FIG. 7C is a block diagram of still another embodiment of a voltagecontrol system 550 having a lamp 440. In one embodiment, lamp 440includes a plurality of lamps 444, such as LEDs (light emitting diodes),in at least two groups 446, 448 that are selectively powered by eitherthe working voltage from converter 430 or the voltage from battery 520.At bicycle speeds of less than approximately 5 mph, second relay 516receives the control signal from second sensing circuit 514 and switchesto allow battery 520 to supply the second working voltage to at leasttwo of the plurality of lamps 444. At bicycle speeds of approximately 5mph and above, converter 430 supplies the first working voltage to atleast one of groups 446, 448 of lamps 444. Lamp switch 442 selectivelypowers the second group 448 of lamps 444 to allow a brightness selectionof either a high brightness with at least two groups 446, 448 of lamps444 or low brightness with at least one group 446 of lamps 444.

FIG. 9 is a diagram of a rectifier circuit 552. In one embodiment,rectifier circuit 552 includes a rectifier 420 having at least sixdiodes 600, 602, 604, 606, 608, 610 configured to rectify thethree-phase output voltage from generator 410. The six diodes 600, 602,604, 606, 608, 610 are divided into three groups of two (600, 602),(604, 606), (608, 610). The three groups of diodes (600, 602), (604,606), (608, 610) are connected in parallel, and each group of two diodes(600, 602), (604, 606), (608, 610) is connected in series.

In one embodiment, generator 410 includes at least six terminals 610,612, 614, 616, 618, 620. First relay 416 includes at least seventerminals 640, 642, 644, 646, 648, 650, 652. A first terminal 620 ofgenerator 410 is connected between a first group of serially connecteddiodes (600, 602). A second terminal 622 of generator 410 is connectedbetween a second group of serially connected diodes (604, 606). A thirdterminal 624 of generator 410 is connected to a first terminal 640 offirst relay 416. Fourth and fifth terminals 626, 628 of generator 410are connected to a third terminal 644 of first relay 416. A sixthterminal of generator 410 is connected to a fifth terminal 648 of firstrelay 416. Second and fourth terminals 642, 646 of first relay 416 areconnected together. A sixth terminal 650 of first relay 416 is connectedbetween a third group of serially connected diodes (608, 610). Theoutput of first sensing circuit 414 is connected to an input terminal652 of first relay 416.

First relay 416 is configured to switch the output voltage of generator410 from a three-phase line-to-line voltage to a three-phaseline-to-neutral voltage when the control signal is received from firstsensing circuit 414. First relay 416 is also configured to switch theoutput voltage of generator 410 back to the three-phase line-to-linevoltage when the control signal is not received from first sensingcircuit 414. First relay 416 allows a reduction in amplitude of the DCvoltage supplied by rectifier 420 to converter 430 during high speeds ofbicycle 102.

In addition, a filter circuit 602 having one or more capacitors 604 canbe connected to the output of the rectifier 420. In one embodiment, thefilter circuit 602 includes at least two capacitors 604 connected inparallel to the output of the rectifier 420. The filter circuit 602functions to smooth the rectified output voltage of the rectifier 420 byreducing the peak-to-peak ripple voltage of the rectifier output asshown in FIG. 8B.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of lamp circuit 554. In one embodiment, lampcircuit 554 includes the lamp 440 of FIG. 7C having the plurality oflamps 444 configured in two groups 446, 448 of three lamps 444. The twogroups 446, 448 are connected in parallel, and the three lamps 444 ofeach group 446, 448 are connected in series. The first working voltagefrom converter 430 is supplied to the first group 446 of lamps via powerswitch 438 and to the second group 448 via power switch 438 and lampswitch 442. Power switch 438 allows the first working voltage to beselectively supplied to both groups 446, 448 of lamps 444, and lampswitch 442 allows the first working voltage to be selectively suppliedto the second group 448 of lamps 444.

Second relay 516 includes at least seven terminals 700, 702, 704, 706,708, 710, 712. A first terminal 700 of second relay 516 is connected toat least one of the lamps 444 in the second group 448 of lamps 444. Athird terminal 704 of second relay 516 is connected to at least one ofthe lamps 444 in the first group 446 of lamps 444. Second and fourthterminals 702, 706 of second relay 516 are left open or no connection(NC) 720 is provided. Fifth and sixth terminals 710, 712 of second relay516 are connected to battery 520. The output of second sensing circuit514 is connected to an input terminal 712 of second relay 416.

Moreover, second relay 516 is configured to switch to the output voltageof battery 520 when the control signal is received from second sensingcircuit 514. Second relay 516 is also configured to switch off theoutput of the second working voltage of battery 520 when the controlsignal is not received from second sensing circuit 514. Second relay 516allows battery 520 to supply the second working voltage to at least twoof the lamps 444 during low speeds of bicycle 102.

FIG. 11A is a top view of one embodiment of a lamp 800, and FIG. 11B isa rear perspective view of lamp 800. Lamp 800 includes a housing 802 andat least six lamps 804, such as LEDs, positioned within housing 802adjacent each other in a single line. The face of lamps 804 can bepositioned so as to be flush mounted with the face of housing 802. Inone aspect, lamps 804 are electrically connected to voltage controlsystem 400 and configured in a manner as previously described withreference to lamp 440 of voltage control system 400.

Housing 802 is formed of a rigid material, such as various types ofmetals including aluminum, various types of plastics, etc., and includesone or more straps or anchors 808 for attaching lamp 800 to a portion ofbicycle 102, such as the handlebars or the bicycle frame. In oneembodiment, anchor 808 is formed of a rubber material that is flexibleso as to wrap around a structural portion of the handlebars or bicycleframe. In another embodiment, anchor 808 is formed of a rigid material,such as various types of metals including aluminum, various types ofplastics, etc. Anchor 808 couples to the housing 802 and biases thehousing 802 against the structural portion of the handlebars or bicycleframe so as to provide secure attachment thereto as shown in FIGS. 1Aand 5A. The straps or anchors 808 provide an easily adjustable, easilymountable, and lightweight means for attaching the lamp 400 to a portionof the bicycle 102. Moreover, housing 802 includes a rear protrusion 810with an aperture 812 formed therein that is adapted to receiveelectrical wiring for wiring lamps 804 to voltage control system 400.The wiring extends the length defined between the mounting position oflamp 800 and the mounting position of voltage control system 400.

FIG. 12A is a top view of another embodiment of a lamp 850, and FIG. 12Bis a rear perspective view of lamp 850. Lamp 850 includes a housing 852and at least six lamps 854, such as LEDs, positioned within housing 852in two groups of three so as to be adjacent each other with one group oflamps 854 positioned parallel to the other group of lamps 854. The faceof lamps 854 can be positioned so as to be flush mounted with the faceof housing 852. In one aspect, lamps 854 are electrically connected tovoltage control system 400 and configured in a manner as previouslydescribed with reference to lamp 440 of FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 10.

As with lamp 800 of FIGS. 11A-11B, housing 852 is formed of a rigidmaterial, such as various types of metals including aluminum, varioustypes of plastics, etc., and includes one or more straps or anchors 858for attaching lamp 850 to a portion of bicycle 102, such as thehandlebars or the bicycle frame. In one embodiment, anchor 858 is formedof a rubber material that is flexible so as to wrap around a structuralportion of the handlebars or bicycle frame. In another embodiment,anchor 858 is formed of a rigid material, such as various types ofmetals including aluminum, various types of plastics, etc. Similar toanchor 808 in FIGS. 11A-11B, anchor 858 couples to the housing 852 andbiases the housing 852 against the structural portion of the handlebarsor bicycle frame so as to provide secure attachment thereto as shown inFIGS. 1A and 5A. The straps or anchors 858 provide an easily adjustable,easily mountable, and lightweight means for attaching the lamp 400 to aportion of the bicycle 102. Moreover, housing 802 includes a rearprotrusion 860 with an aperture 862 formed therein that is adapted toreceive electrical wiring for wiring lamps 854 to voltage control system400. The wiring extends the length defined between the mounting positionof lamp 850 and the mounting position of voltage control system 400.

By utilizing the inventive generator lighting system described herein, abicycle rider can enjoy high output light from a compact, low weightsystem that provides low drag. The lighting system is easily removed andreattached in a short period of time, requires virtually no maintenance,especially in the form of battery charging, and will fit universallyonto many modern bicycles. The inventive system is capable of similar orimproved performance in many levels of common riding from low speeds andoccasional stopping to very high speeds.

While the description above refers to particular embodiments of thepresent invention, it will be understood that many modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit thereof. The accompanying claimsare intended to cover such modifications as would fall within the truescope and spirit of the present invention.

The presently disclosed embodiments are therefore to be considered inall respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of theinvention being indicated by the appended claims, rather than theforegoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning andrange of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embracedtherein.

1-39. (canceled)
 40. A generator mounting system for a bicycle having atleast one rear strut extending from the remainder of a bicycle frame forsupporting a mount for a rear wheel, the system comprising a beam forsupporting a generator, said beam extending generally alongside the rearstrut with a first beam end mounted to the rear wheel mount and a secondbeam end mounted to the bicycle frame outbound of the wheel, said beamholding the generator in position to be frictionally driven by contactwith a portion of the rear wheel.
 41. The system of claim 40, whereinthe generator includes a drive wheel, and wherein the generator isconnected to the strut through a pivotal connection to the beam in aposition to place the drive wheel against a portion of the rear wheel.42. The system of claim 41, further comprising a torsion springextending around the pivotal connection, said spring connected at oneend to the beam and at the other end to the generator, said springtorsionally biases the drive wheel against a portion of the rear wheel.